Clay Pottery.

Clay is the essential material from which clay pottery is formed. Clay is one of the most common materials on earth. Clay is primarily composed of the minerals alumina and silica with small amounts of other minerals and metal oxides. Most potters today use clays that are blends of several clays to get the particular properties they want for clay pottery.

Clay pottery reflects different colors of the raw clay such as the Staffordshire blues; bottle clay that produces white and yellow; greenish tinges and red blending clay.
Red clay pottery exudes warmth through the natural earth tones that radiate from this red clay pottery. Light seems reflect from the beauty of the handcrafted pieces of red clay pottery. The simple red clay pottery can be used for kitchen utensils and décor. In fact red clay pottery is elegant in any focal point within the home. Experimentation has led to environmentally safe clay pottery. Unknown glazes can sometimes cause dangers environmentally to clay pottery. Sometimes the use of a glaze on the red clay pottery is unnecessary, and a smooth burnished finish leaves each designed piece of clay pottery functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. In Arizona the wonderful clay pottery is known to bring sunshine to their flowers and cacti

Thai clay pottery is fashioned by the finest of artisans. This particular collection of clay pottery is functional and decorative. Every region in Thailand has its own traditional pottery but the clay pottery has a high iron oxide content. This clay pottery is more durable and more beautiful in texture.

Some questions about clay pottery:

• Is it possible to plant directly into clay pottery? Yes - plants love the porous nature and feel of the surface of clay pottery. Water your clay pottery to prevent it from drying out. Water does evaporate readily from the clay pottery surface. Do not over water your clay pottery.

• Will the clay pottery leak from the watering? Probably – make sure that the clay pottery has drainage holes to allow excess water to drain. Outside the clay pottery won’t be a problem but make sure there is a non-porous saucer under the clay pottery to collect the excess indoors.

• Can clay pottery be left outside? Yes – clay pottery is suitable for all but freezing temperatures.

• How should clay pottery be cleaned? Wipe the clay pottery with a damp cloth or sponge. Harmless salts from the soil and fertilizer accumulates on the clay pottery.

• Winter storage guidelines? Make sure the clay pottery remain dry during freezing months. This will prevent the clay pottery cracking and breaking due to expansion when water freezes.

Some clay pottery containers are made from natural materials and some pottery containers are from synthetic or man made materials. Some clay pottery like terracotta or earthenware falls halfway between the natural and synthetic finishes (earthenware and terracotta). This clay pottery is warm, red-brown and earthy in appearance. Clay pottery can be formed or molded into intricate patterns. Unglazed pottery pots are porous, and plant roots remain cooler and dry out more quicker than in glazed pots. Unglazed clay pottery has a rough exterior finish, and enhances the natural appearance of the clay pottery after planting in them.

Ensure good drainage with all kinds of clay pottery containers. Use clay pottery drip saucers or trays wherever stains from escaping water may cause problems. A flower pot in a tray should be raised either on gravel or small pot feet so the pots base is not constantly standing in water.

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